ESPN analyst Matt Miller's early 2026 NFL mock draft features a strong Clemson presence, with five Tigers projected within the first 24 picks. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is anticipated as the top selection, potentially going to the Cleveland Browns, who are seeking a franchise QB. Miller highlights Klubnik's impressive stats from last season, including over 3,600 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, positioning him alongside Trevor Lawrence as a standout from the program.

Defensive end T.J. Parker is expected to be picked third by the Tennessee Titans, while defensive tackle Peter Woods could be a surprising choice for the Carolina Panthers at sixth. Wide receiver Antonio Williams rounds out the top 14 picks, projected to go 14th to Arizona. Lastly, cornerback Avieon Terrell is slotted at 24th to Cincinnati, showcasing a potential family legacy within the NFL alongside his brother, A.J. Terrell.

Nick Rallis, the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator, finds himself ranked a dismal 28th among NFL defensive coordinators for 2025, placing him among the bottom five. Despite the support received in the offseason, including strategic reinforcements, Rallis has struggled to establish a formidable defensive identity, prompting scrutiny over his effectiveness and future with the team.

With Rallis trailing only three new coordinators in the rankings, the Cardinals are left with pressing questions about their defensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season. The performances of Rallis's defense, particularly against key rivals, will be closely monitored, as the pressure mounts for him to demonstrate significant improvement.

Kyler Murray's ability to orchestrate comebacks is becoming a defining feature of his career as the Arizona Cardinals quarterback. Despite having fewer starts than Kurt Warner, who never managed a win when trailing by multiple scores in the second half, Murray has already led the Cardinals to six victories in such situations. This includes a notable tie against the Detroit Lions in his debut and a thrilling overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks.

During his 82 starts, the Cardinals found themselves down by nine or more points in 41 games, with Murray’s skill shining through in critical moments. The question remains whether Murray can continue this trend and establish himself as one of the league's clutch performers.

Budda Baker, the cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals' defense, is entering his ninth season after being drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft. Following a season where he started all 17 games, Baker was voted co-MVP alongside teammate James Conner. Baker tallied a remarkable 164 tackles, leading the team, with impressive stats including 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a Pro Bowl selection for the seventh time.

In December 2024, Baker secured a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Cardinals through 2027, affirming his significant role in the team's future. As the offseason progresses, fans and fantasy players alike are eager to see how Baker's consistent performance and leadership will shape the Cardinals' defensive strategy in the upcoming season.

With 68 days remaining until the 2025 season opener, the New Orleans Saints are preparing to host the Arizona Cardinals. Under the helm of new head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints aim to bounce back from a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024. One potential standout in their ranks is undrafted rookie offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III, who aspires to make his mark by becoming the 18th player in franchise history to don the number 68 in a regular-season game.

Historically, the number 68 has seen many players, from Richard Winther, the first to wear it, to notable offensive linemen like Kyle Turley and Victor Riley. The Saints are hopeful that Simpkins can replicate the success of his predecessors and contribute to a turnaround season, solidifying the offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.